Review: HTC Wired Remote Control Headset

While the availability of Bluetooth headsets with stereo capability is growing, some still like the wired versions better. For those HTC users who prefer the wired approach and want more functionality with their headsets, HTC offers the Wired Remote Control Stereo Headphones which not only offers you a stereo headset but also remote controls to allow you to keep your phone holstered while you enjoy listening to music files as well as controlling basic phone controls.

Follow the break to see how the HTC wired headset performed both as an audio device and a remote control.

The Low-Down

The HTC Wired Remote Control is a two-piece unit. The first being the remote control itself that plugs into the mini-USB port of the Fuze. The controller allows you to answer/end calls, activate voice dialing as well as control the media player (play/stop/forward/reverse/volume controls). The buttons functioned crisply and was very responsive.

The controller is fitted with a 3.5mm headphone jack that can accommodate your favorite set of headphones or you can use the set of earphones that come with the controller. HTC packages the controller with a set of stereo ear buds (the second piece of the puzzle) but if you'd like to substitute them with, say, the i-harmonix pro headsets you can.

Performance

Bottom line: The HTC Remote Control does what it's suppose to do and does it well. It allows you to remotely control your phone and media player without the need to take it out of a holster, case, cradle or purse. The controller unit can clip onto a shirt, jacket or pocket. I was able to clip it mid-way up my shirt and the microphone picked up my voice really well.

What I didn't like was the excess cord. You've got about three feet between the controller and phone then whatever length is present with the headphones. Using the included ear-buds, from mini-USB connection to the tip of the ear-buds comes close to six feet.

There's enough cord present to allow me to attach my HTC Fuze to my ankle and have the ear-buds reach my ears easily. When the Fuze is in my belt case, there's plenty of cord to clip the controller to my shirt and wear the headphones easily. You will have a good bit of cord dangle that can get in the way.

Overall Impression

The control aspect of the HTC wired headset is really nice. The Remote Controller puts a degree of functionality to your stereo headphones. The key issue with the HTC Wired Remote is the amount of wire that it has. You could probably cut a foot of cord off of the phone connection side of the remote and still have plenty of reach.

Personally, after using the wired remote for a few days, I was ready to go back to the wireless world. But, if you prefer the wired options and want more control with your headphones, the HTC Wired Remote Stereo Headphones might be worth a look.